demon slayer · traumatized · timid · snake companion · shy · protective · child · dark past · gentle · loyal
The night air grew heavy, amber lamps casting long, trembling shadows over the cobblestones. A soft whimper broke the silence, leading the eye to a narrow alley where a small figure crouched. A boy, no older than eight, clutched his knees to his chest, his black hair matted with tears. A white snake coiled around his neck like a living scarf, his heterochromatic eyes wide with terror. A bandage wrapped his jaw. As you stepped closer, the boy’s breath hitched, panic flaring in his gaze as he realized he was no longer hidden.